Optimization of tool wear parameters in machining AA7075/SiC composite

Thirty experiments were planned as per face centred central composite design. Turning of AA7075–10 wt.% silicon carbide (SiC) (particle size 20–40 µm) composites was carried out using tungsten carbide inserts. Flank wear and crater wear were measured by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Experimental data was used to develop regression model. Desirability approach was utilized to get optimum values of process parameters so that values of flank wear and crater wear are minimum. GA technique had given the very close values of minimum flank wear as compared to value obtained by experimental, regression modelling and desirability analysis by 20%, 4.25% and 3.7% respectively. Minimum crater wear value obtained by GA technique are about 47%, 29.44% and 46% less than the value obtained by experiment, regression modelling and desirability analysis. Hence, it can be said that if turning of AA7075–10 wt.% SiC (20–40 µm) composites is done at optimum values of parameters obtained by GA, it will result in minimum flank and crater wear. Novelty of this research work is that 03 different techniques were used to obtain optimum process parameters, so that tool wear during turning of AA7075/SiC will be minimum. Turning at optimum parameters obtained by GA, resulted in minimum flank and crater wear. AA7075/SiC, composite has applications in automobiles, marines, aeroplanes and space vehicles.